B1 noun #41 le plus courant 13 min de lecture

bestagon

At the A1 level, we can think of a 'bestagon' as a very special shape. It is a hexagon, which has six sides. We call it the 'best' because it is very good at filling up space. Imagine you have many tiles. If the tiles are hexagons, they fit together perfectly with no gaps. Bees use this shape to make honey. It is a 'bestagon' because it is the best shape for building things. You can remember it by saying 'Best' plus 'agon'. It is a fun word to use when you see a shape with six sides that looks very neat and tidy.
At the A2 level, you can understand 'bestagon' as a fun name for a hexagon. A hexagon is a shape with six equal sides and six angles. People call it a 'bestagon' because it is the most efficient shape. 'Efficient' means it does a great job without wasting anything. For example, if you want to cover a floor with tiles, hexagons use the least amount of material to cover the most area. This is why bees use them for their honeycombs. It is a popular word on the internet used by people who like science and math. You can use it when you want to talk about how cool hexagons are.
For B1 learners, 'bestagon' is a portmanteau—a word made by joining two other words: 'best' and 'hexagon'. It is used to highlight the mathematical superiority of the hexagon in tiling problems. In geometry, tiling (or tessellation) is when you cover a surface with shapes. The hexagon is the 'bestagon' because it provides the largest area for the smallest perimeter. This makes it incredibly strong and efficient. You will often hear this word in educational videos or read it in science blogs. It is a great word to use if you want to sound enthusiastic about nature's design or engineering.
At the B2 level, 'bestagon' represents a specific cultural and scientific concept. It refers to the 'Hexagonal Tiling Conjecture,' which was only formally proven in 1999. The term itself is a neologism popularized by internet science communicators. It emphasizes that among all possible ways to tile a plane with equal-area cells, the regular hexagonal grid has the minimum total edge length. This principle is applied in everything from the design of satellite components to the way we understand the structural integrity of graphene. Using the word 'bestagon' shows an appreciation for optimization and the intersection of mathematics and the natural world.
At the C1 level, 'bestagon' is recognized as a sophisticated piece of internet-era nomenclature that encapsulates a complex geometric principle. It serves as a shorthand for the efficiency of hexagonal lattices in both two and three dimensions. When discussing the 'bestagon,' one might delve into the physics of surface tension, explaining how bubbles naturally form hexagonal patterns to minimize energy. The term is often used with a degree of self-aware irony, acknowledging its origins in viral media while simultaneously respecting the rigorous mathematics it describes. It is an excellent example of how specialized knowledge can be democratized through catchy, creative language.
For C2 speakers, 'bestagon' is a versatile term that can be used to discuss the philosophy of optimal design and the 'unreasonable effectiveness' of mathematics in the physical sciences. It invites comparisons between Euclidean geometry and the practical constraints of biology and engineering. One might use 'bestagon' to critique less efficient tiling methods or to celebrate the aesthetic and functional harmony found in hexagonal structures like the James Webb Space Telescope's mirrors. At this level, the word is not just a pun but a symbol of the human drive to find and name the underlying patterns that make our universe function so efficiently.

bestagon en 30 secondes

  • A bestagon is a playful name for a hexagon, highlighting its efficiency.
  • It is a portmanteau of 'best' and 'hexagon' popularized by internet culture.
  • The shape is mathematically proven to be the most efficient for tiling surfaces.
  • Bestagons are found throughout nature, from honeycombs to basalt columns.

The term bestagon is a modern, internet-derived portmanteau that combines the word 'best' with the suffix '-agon' (from hexagon). It is used to describe the hexagon as the mathematically and structurally superior shape for tiling a two-dimensional surface. While it originated in a popular science video by CGP Grey, it has since entered the lexicon of enthusiasts in geometry, architecture, and biology to emphasize why hexagons are ubiquitous in nature and engineering. When people use this word, they are usually referring to the 'Hexagonal Tiling Conjecture,' which proves that a regular hexagonal grid is the best way to divide a surface into regions of equal area with the least total perimeter. This efficiency is why we see this shape in honeycombs, where bees want to store the most honey using the least amount of wax. It is also found in the molecular structure of graphene and the basalt columns of the Giant's Causeway. Using the word 'bestagon' often signals a playful yet appreciative understanding of mathematical optimization and natural design. It is most frequently used in educational contexts, design discussions, and online communities dedicated to science and math.

Efficiency
The primary reason a hexagon is called a bestagon is its ability to cover an area with minimal boundary material compared to squares or triangles.

Because hexagons are the bestagon, the engineer decided to use a honeycomb lattice for the satellite's structural reinforcement.

Natural Occurrence
Nature frequently defaults to the bestagon shape because physical systems tend to settle into states of minimum energy and maximum efficiency.

The student argued that the bestagon is the only logical choice for tiling the floor if you want to minimize grout usage.

Structural Integrity
In 3D structures, hexagonal patterns provide incredible strength-to-weight ratios, making the bestagon a favorite in aerospace engineering.

If you look at the James Webb Space Telescope, you will see it is made of eighteen bestagon mirrors.

The internet meme 'Hexagons are the bestagon' has actually helped many students become interested in planar geometry.

Saturn's north pole features a massive storm in the shape of a bestagon, proving that physics loves this shape.

Furthermore, the concept of the bestagon extends into the philosophy of design. It represents the idea that there is often a 'correct' or 'most optimized' solution to a problem if we look at the constraints of the physical world. When an architect chooses a hexagonal grid for a city layout or a game designer uses hexagonal tiles for a strategy game, they are implicitly acknowledging the bestagon's superior ability to manage distance and connectivity. Unlike squares, which have two different distances between adjacent cell centers (orthogonal and diagonal), hexagons have a consistent distance between the center of one tile and all its neighbors. This makes the bestagon the ultimate tool for spatial reasoning and balanced gameplay. Whether you are a scientist studying the compound eyes of insects or a hobbyist building a custom keyboard with hexagonal keys, the bestagon remains the gold standard for geometric utility and aesthetic satisfaction.

Using the word bestagon requires a bit of contextual awareness, as it is a relatively new and informal term. It functions as a noun, often used as a predicate nominative (e.g., 'The hexagon is the bestagon') or as an attributive noun to describe things with hexagonal properties. To use it effectively, you should apply it in situations where you are highlighting the efficiency, beauty, or mathematical perfection of a six-sided shape. For instance, in a discussion about nature, you might say, 'Bees didn't go to school, but they still figured out that the bestagon is the most efficient way to store honey.' This usage emphasizes the intuitive 'choice' made by biological processes. In a technical but lighthearted setting, an engineer might remark, 'We're switching the core structure to a bestagon lattice to save on material costs without sacrificing strength.' Here, the word adds a touch of personality to a technical decision. It is also common to use it in the plural form, 'bestagons,' when referring to multiple hexagonal units in a pattern. Because the word is a pun, it carries a sense of enthusiasm and 'nerd culture' pride. It is less about the literal definition of a hexagon and more about the *value judgment* that the hexagon is superior to all other polygons.

Comparative Context
Use it when comparing shapes: 'Squares are fine, but for maximum efficiency, you need the bestagon.'

The designer insisted that the logo be a bestagon because it symbolizes balance and growth.

Scientific Wonder
Use it to express awe at natural patterns: 'The basalt columns at the Giant's Causeway are nature's own bestagons.'

I bought a bestagon shelf because it allows for modular expansion in every direction.

Gaming and Strategy
In board games, players often prefer the bestagon grid for more realistic movement options.

Civilization VI uses bestagons for its map, which is much better than the old square tiles.

Once you realize that the bestagon is everywhere in nature, you can't unsee it.

The molecular structure of graphite is just a giant sheet of bestagons.

When constructing sentences with 'bestagon', remember that it is essentially a synonym for 'hexagon' but with an added layer of positive connotation. It is rarely used in a negative sense. If you are describing a shape that is poorly formed or inefficient, you would not call it a bestagon. The word implies perfection. You might also see it used as an adjective in very informal speech, such as 'That's a very bestagon pattern,' though this is less common than the noun form. In academic writing, you should avoid it unless you are specifically discussing the cultural impact of the term or the meme itself. However, in a creative writing piece or a blog post about geometry, it is a fantastic way to engage the reader and show that you are 'in the know' regarding modern scientific memes. It bridges the gap between rigorous mathematics and popular culture, making the subject matter more accessible and fun.

The most common place to hear the word bestagon is in the digital sphere, particularly on platforms like YouTube, Reddit, and Twitter. It gained massive popularity following a video titled 'Hexagons are the Bestagons' by the educational YouTuber CGP Grey. Since then, it has become a staple of 'Edu-Tube' culture. You will hear it in videos about mathematics, physics, biology, and urban planning. For example, a video explaining why bubbles form hexagonal patterns when packed together will almost certainly reference the bestagon. Beyond the internet, you might hear it in university dorm rooms among STEM students, at science fairs, or in maker-spaces where people are using 3D printers and laser cutters to create geometric art. It is a 'shibboleth'—a word that identifies you as part of a specific community of people who enjoy learning about the hidden logic of the universe. In professional design studios, younger architects or graphic designers might use it ironically or as a shorthand for 'let's use a hexagonal grid here because it's the most efficient.' You might also encounter it in the titles of blog posts or articles that aim to make geometry more exciting for a general audience. It has even appeared in some informal educational materials and museum exhibits that focus on the 'math in nature.'

Educational Media
YouTubers like CGP Grey, Veritasium, or Numberphile fans are the primary speakers of this term.

I was watching a video on honeycomb structures, and the narrator kept calling the hexagon a bestagon.

Science Communication
Science communicators use the term to make complex tiling theories more relatable and memorable.

At the science museum, the exhibit on crystal structures had a sign that said, 'Behold the bestagon!'

Engineering Forums
Online forums for engineers often use the term when discussing the benefits of hexagonal infill in 3D printing.

The 3D printing community loves the bestagon because it provides the strongest internal support.

During the lecture on organic chemistry, the professor made a joke about benzene being a bestagon.

I saw a t-shirt that said 'Hexagons are the bestagon' at the math competition.

In summary, while you won't find 'bestagon' in the Oxford English Dictionary just yet, it is a living part of the English language within specific subcultures. It is heard in places where curiosity meets humor. If you are in a room full of board gamers, software developers, or science enthusiasts, using the word will likely earn you a nod of agreement. It is a way of celebrating the fact that some things in the universe are objectively better designed than others. Whether it's the way a bee builds its home or the way a mathematician tiles a plane, the bestagon is the word that captures that sense of geometric 'rightness.' It is a testament to the power of a single viral video to change how we talk about a shape that has existed since the beginning of time.

Because bestagon is a slang term and a pun, there are several common mistakes that learners and even native speakers might make. The most significant mistake is using it in a strictly formal or academic environment. If you are writing a dissertation on geometry or a professional report for a structural engineering firm, using 'bestagon' instead of 'hexagon' or 'hexagonal tiling' might make you appear unprofessional or overly informal. It is crucial to understand that 'bestagon' is an *opinionated* term; it carries the speaker's enthusiasm. Another mistake is misapplying the term to other shapes. You cannot have a 'bestagon' that has five sides; that would be a pentagon, and the whole point of the pun is that the hexagon is the 'best' one. Some people also confuse the meaning, thinking it refers to any 'best' shape, but it specifically and exclusively refers to the hexagon. Spelling is another minor issue; some might try to spell it 'best-a-gon' or 'bestigon,' but the standard meme spelling is 'bestagon.' Additionally, don't forget that it is a noun. Using it as a verb ('Let's bestagon this floor') is technically incorrect, though it might be understood in very casual slang as 'Let's tile this floor with hexagons.'

Formal Misuse
Mistake: Using 'bestagon' in a peer-reviewed math journal. Correction: Use 'regular hexagon'.

Incorrect: The data shows that the bestagon structure is superior. Correct: The data shows that the hexagonal structure is superior.

Shape Confusion
Mistake: Calling a square a bestagon. Correction: Only hexagons are bestagons.

Incorrect: I love this eight-sided bestagon. Correct: I love this eight-sided octagon.

Grammatical Category
Mistake: Using it as a verb. Correction: Use it as a noun to refer to the shape itself.

Incorrect: We need to bestagon the bathroom wall. Correct: We need to use bestagons for the bathroom wall.

Mistake: 'The circle is the bestagon.' Correction: Circles cannot tile a plane without gaps, so they aren't bestagons.

Mistake: 'I saw a bestagon with four sides.' Correction: That is a square or a rectangle.

Finally, a common conceptual mistake is thinking that 'bestagon' is a real geometric term that has been around for centuries. It is very new (coined around 2020). If you are talking to someone from an older generation or someone who isn't active on the internet, they will likely be confused. You might have to explain, 'Oh, it's just a funny way of saying hexagons are the best shape.' Overusing the word can also be a mistake; like any meme, it can become annoying if used in every sentence. Use it sparingly to highlight a specific point about efficiency or beauty. By avoiding these common pitfalls, you can use the term 'bestagon' to show off your knowledge of both geometry and modern internet culture without sounding confused or out of place.

While bestagon is unique in its playful connotation, there are many related terms you should know to speak accurately about geometry and tiling. The most obvious alternative is hexagon, which is the neutral, scientific name for a six-sided polygon. If you are in a formal setting, always use 'hexagon.' Another related term is tessellation, which refers to the tiling of a plane using one or more geometric shapes with no overlaps and no gaps. Hexagons are famous for their ability to create a regular tessellation. You might also hear the term honeycomb structure, which refers to the 3D application of hexagonal cells. In chemistry, you might refer to benzene rings or aromatic rings, which are hexagonal in shape. For those interested in the 'best' part of the word, you could use adjectives like optimal, efficient, or superior. For example, instead of saying 'This is a bestagon,' you could say 'This hexagonal tiling is the most efficient configuration.' If you are looking for other shapes that tile, you might talk about quadrilaterals (squares/rectangles) or equilateral triangles, though as any bestagon enthusiast will tell you, they aren't as good!

Hexagon vs. Bestagon
A hexagon is just a shape; a bestagon is a hexagon that you are praising for its efficiency.

While a square can tile a floor, it is not a bestagon because it has more perimeter for the same area.

Tessellation
This is the mathematical process of tiling. The bestagon is the king of tessellations.

The bestagon is often compared to the circle, which is the most efficient shape overall but cannot tile a surface.

Optimal Packing
This is the scientific field that studies why the bestagon is so useful in nature.

If you want to pack circles as tightly as possible, their centers will form a bestagon grid.

The snowflake is a natural example of a bestagon growing in real-time.

In the world of polygons, the bestagon is the undisputed champion of efficiency.

Understanding these alternatives helps you navigate different registers of English. If you are joking with friends about why a certain board game is great, 'bestagon' is perfect. If you are explaining to a child why bees build the way they do, 'bestagon' is a fun teaching tool. But if you are in a geometry class, knowing that a 'bestagon' is technically a 'regular hexagon' that 'tessellates the Euclidean plane' will show that you have a deep understanding of the subject. Each of these words—hexagon, tessellation, honeycomb, optimal—provides a different lens through which to view the same geometric truth. By mastering them all, you become a more versatile and effective communicator, able to switch from internet slang to scientific precision with ease.

How Formal Is It?

Formel

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Neutre

""

Informel

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Child friendly

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Argot

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Le savais-tu ?

The video that popularized the term has millions of views and has led to a global community of 'bestagon' enthusiasts who share photos of hexagons found in daily life. It is one of the few geometric terms to ever become a viral internet meme.

Guide de prononciation

UK /ˈbestəɡɒn/
US /ˈbestəɡɑːn/
The primary stress is on the first syllable: BEST-a-gon.
Rime avec
hexagon pentagon octagon decagon polygon paragon tarragon woebegone
Erreurs fréquentes
  • Pronouncing it as 'best-a-gone' (like the word 'gone').
  • Putting the stress on the second syllable: bes-TA-gon.
  • Pronouncing the 'g' as a 'j' sound.
  • Mumbling the 't' in the middle.
  • Confusing it with 'pentagon' or 'octagon' during fast speech.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 3/5

The word itself is simple, but the concepts of tiling and efficiency can be complex.

Écriture 2/5

Easy to spell and use in simple sentences.

Expression orale 2/5

Pronunciation is straightforward for English learners.

Écoute 3/5

Might be hard to catch if the listener doesn't know the meme.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

hexagon shape best side angle

Apprends ensuite

tessellation optimization perimeter area polygon

Avancé

Euclidean plane conjecture honeycomb conjecture isoperimetric inequality lattice theory

Grammaire à connaître

Portmanteaus

Bestagon (Best + Hexagon), Brunch (Breakfast + Lunch).

Superlative Adjectives

The bestagon is the *most efficient* shape.

Compound Adjectives

A *bestagon-shaped* mirror.

Countable Nouns

There are *many bestagons* in this pattern.

Defining Relative Clauses

A bestagon is a shape *that has six sides*.

Exemples par niveau

1

Look at the bee's home; it is a bestagon.

Regarde la maison de l'abeille ; c'est un bestagone.

Uses 'is' to define the shape.

2

A bestagon has six sides.

Un bestagone a six côtés.

Simple present tense.

3

I like the bestagon shape.

J'aime la forme du bestagone.

Subject-Verb-Object structure.

4

Is this a bestagon?

Est-ce un bestagone ?

Simple question format.

5

The bestagon is very strong.

Le bestagone est très solide.

Adjective 'strong' modifying the noun.

6

Bees love the bestagon.

Les abeilles adorent le bestagone.

Plural subject with simple verb.

7

This tile is a bestagon.

Ce carreau est un bestagone.

Demonstrative pronoun 'this'.

8

Draw a bestagon for me.

Dessine un bestagone pour moi.

Imperative mood.

1

The bestagon is the best shape for tiling.

Le bestagone est la meilleure forme pour le carrelage.

Superlative 'the best'.

2

Why is the hexagon called a bestagon?

Pourquoi l'hexagone est-il appelé un bestagone ?

Passive voice 'is called'.

3

Bees build bestagons to save wax.

Les abeilles construisent des bestagones pour économiser la cire.

Infinitive of purpose 'to save'.

4

You can find bestagons in nature.

On peut trouver des bestagones dans la nature.

Modal verb 'can'.

5

My favorite shape is the bestagon.

Ma forme préférée est le bestagone.

Possessive adjective 'my'.

6

A bestagon is better than a square.

Un bestagone est meilleur qu'un carré.

Comparative 'better than'.

7

Many people on the internet talk about the bestagon.

Beaucoup de gens sur internet parlent du bestagone.

Quantifier 'many'.

8

The bestagon has six equal angles.

Le bestagone a six angles égaux.

Adjective 'equal' modifying 'angles'.

1

The term bestagon was popularized by a famous YouTuber.

Le terme bestagone a été popularisé par un célèbre youtubeur.

Past passive voice.

2

If you want efficiency, you should choose the bestagon.

Si vous voulez de l'efficacité, vous devriez choisir le bestagone.

First conditional structure.

3

The bestagon is efficient because it has a small perimeter.

Le bestagone est efficace parce qu'il a un petit périmètre.

Causal conjunction 'because'.

4

I learned about the bestagon while watching a science video.

J'ai appris l'existence du bestagone en regardant une vidéo scientifique.

Past continuous in a subordinate clause.

5

Engineers often use the bestagon structure in satellites.

Les ingénieurs utilisent souvent la structure en bestagone dans les satellites.

Adverb of frequency 'often'.

6

Is the bestagon really the most efficient shape?

Le bestagone est-il vraiment la forme la plus efficace ?

Interrogative with 'really' for emphasis.

7

The bestagon allows for perfect tiling without any gaps.

Le bestagone permet un carrelage parfait sans aucun vide.

Verb 'allows for' meaning to make possible.

8

I decided to use bestagons for my new art project.

J'ai décidé d'utiliser des bestagones pour mon nouveau projet artistique.

Past tense 'decided to'.

1

The bestagon's geometric properties make it ideal for structural engineering.

Les propriétés géométriques du bestagone le rendent idéal pour le génie structurel.

Possessive 'bestagon's' used as an adjective.

2

By utilizing the bestagon, nature minimizes the energy required for construction.

En utilisant le bestagone, la nature minimise l'énergie requise pour la construction.

Gerund phrase 'By utilizing'.

3

The concept of the bestagon is rooted in the hexagonal tiling conjecture.

Le concept du bestagone est enraciné dans la conjecture du pavage hexagonal.

Idiomatic expression 'rooted in'.

4

Many designers are now embracing the bestagon for its aesthetic appeal.

De nombreux designers adoptent désormais le bestagone pour son attrait esthétique.

Present continuous 'are embracing'.

5

The bestagon provides a consistent distance between the centers of adjacent cells.

Le bestagone offre une distance constante entre les centres des cellules adjacentes.

Technical vocabulary 'adjacent cells'.

6

Despite being a meme, the bestagon refers to a serious mathematical truth.

Bien qu'il s'agisse d'un mème, le bestagone fait référence à une vérité mathématique sérieuse.

Concession clause with 'Despite'.

7

The telescope's primary mirror consists of eighteen bestagon segments.

Le miroir primaire du télescope se compose de dix-huit segments en bestagone.

Verb 'consists of'.

8

We can observe the bestagon in the cooling patterns of volcanic rock.

On peut observer le bestagone dans les motifs de refroidissement de la roche volcanique.

Modal 'can' expressing possibility.

1

The bestagon serves as a compelling example of evolutionary optimization in biology.

Le bestagone sert d'exemple convaincant d'optimisation évolutive en biologie.

Sophisticated verb 'serves as'.

2

The bestagon's prevalence in the natural world is a testament to its efficiency.

La prévalence du bestagone dans le monde naturel est un témoignage de son efficacité.

Noun 'prevalence' and 'testament'.

3

Scholars argue that the bestagon is the most versatile shape for spatial partitioning.

Les érudits soutiennent que le bestagone est la forme la plus polyvalente pour le partitionnement spatial.

Reporting verb 'argue' with a 'that' clause.

4

The bestagon's structural integrity is unparalleled when compared to other polygons.

L'intégrité structurelle du bestagone est inégalée par rapport aux autres polygones.

Adjective 'unparalleled'.

5

The bestagon meme has effectively bridged the gap between academia and pop culture.

Le mème du bestagone a efficacement comblé le fossé entre le monde universitaire et la culture populaire.

Present perfect with 'effectively'.

6

One cannot help but admire the bestagon's role in the formation of graphene.

On ne peut s'empêcher d'admirer le rôle du bestagone dans la formation du graphène.

Idiomatic 'cannot help but'.

7

The bestagon's utility in 3D printing infill patterns is widely recognized.

L'utilité du bestagone dans les motifs de remplissage de l'impression 3D est largement reconnue.

Passive voice 'is widely recognized'.

8

The bestagon facilitates a more balanced movement system in tabletop wargaming.

Le bestagone facilite un système de mouvement plus équilibré dans les jeux de guerre sur table.

Precise verb 'facilitates'.

1

The bestagon epitomizes the convergence of mathematical elegance and physical necessity.

Le bestagone incarne la convergence de l'élégance mathématique et de la nécessité physique.

High-level verb 'epitomizes'.

2

The bestagon's dominance in tiling theory remains a cornerstone of modern geometry.

La dominance du bestagone dans la théorie du pavage reste une pierre angulaire de la géométrie moderne.

Metaphor 'cornerstone'.

3

Critiques of the bestagon are few, as its efficiency is mathematically indisputable.

Les critiques du bestagone sont rares, car son efficacité est mathématiquement indiscutable.

Formal structure 'Critiques... are few'.

4

The bestagon's intrinsic properties allow for the minimization of surface tension in foam.

Les propriétés intrinsèques du bestagone permettent de minimiser la tension superficielle dans la mousse.

Technical term 'intrinsic properties'.

5

The bestagon has transcended its origins as a meme to become a legitimate pedagogical tool.

Le bestagone a transcendé ses origines de mème pour devenir un outil pédagogique légitime.

Verb 'transcended'.

6

The bestagon's ubiquity in the cosmos suggests a fundamental preference for hexagonal symmetry.

L'ubiquité du bestagone dans le cosmos suggère une préférence fondamentale pour la symétrie hexagonale.

Noun 'ubiquity'.

7

The bestagon's role in the architecture of the future cannot be overstated.

Le rôle du bestagone dans l'architecture du futur ne saurait être surestimé.

Negative passive 'cannot be overstated'.

8

The bestagon remains the gold standard for anyone seeking to optimize spatial coverage.

Le bestagone reste la référence absolue pour quiconque cherche à optimiser la couverture spatiale.

Idiom 'gold standard'.

Collocations courantes

the bestagon is the bestagon
bestagon tiling
natural bestagon
bestagon grid
bestagon structure
perfect bestagon
bestagon pattern
bestagon symmetry
bestagon mirror
bestagon infill

Phrases Courantes

Hexagons are the bestagons

Behold the bestagon

The power of the bestagon

Bestagon supremacy

Nature's bestagon

Tiled with bestagons

A world of bestagons

The bestagon way

Bestagon-shaped

Long live the bestagon

Souvent confondu avec

bestagon vs hexagon

A hexagon is the neutral term; a bestagon is the 'best' version of it.

bestagon vs pentagon

A pentagon has 5 sides, while a bestagon must have 6.

bestagon vs octagon

An octagon has 8 sides and does not tile a plane perfectly like a bestagon.

Expressions idiomatiques

"Thinking in bestagons"

Approaching a problem with maximum efficiency and geometric logic.

Our new CEO is really thinking in bestagons; he's cut all the waste.

informal

"The bestagon of the bunch"

The most efficient or superior option among many.

Of all the designs we saw, this one is the bestagon of the bunch.

slang

"Bestagon-level efficiency"

Extremely high efficiency that cannot be improved upon.

This new engine has bestagon-level efficiency.

informal

"To bestagon something"

To optimize something perfectly or to make it hexagonal.

We need to bestagon this workflow to save time.

slang

"Fit like a bestagon"

To fit together perfectly with no gaps or wasted space.

These new storage bins fit like a bestagon in the closet.

informal

"The bestagon in the room"

The smartest or most efficient person present.

She's definitely the bestagon in the room when it comes to math.

slang

"Not a bestagon"

Something that is inefficient, poorly designed, or 'not the best'.

This old filing system is definitely not a bestagon.

informal

"Bestagon eyes"

Seeing the world through the lens of geometry and efficiency.

Once you watch that video, you'll have bestagon eyes forever.

slang

"The bestagon standard"

The highest possible standard of design.

We aim for the bestagon standard in all our products.

informal

"In the shape of a bestagon"

Used to describe something that is working perfectly.

The project is finally in the shape of a bestagon.

informal

Facile à confondre

bestagon vs Polygon

Both refer to shapes with straight sides.

A polygon is any many-sided shape, while a bestagon is specifically a hexagon.

A square is a polygon, but it is not a bestagon.

bestagon vs Tessellation

Both are related to tiling.

Tessellation is the pattern/action; bestagon is the shape used in the pattern.

This tessellation is made of bestagons.

bestagon vs Honeycomb

Both are associated with bees and hexagons.

Honeycomb is the physical structure; bestagon is the geometric ideal.

The honeycomb is full of bestagons.

bestagon vs Heptagon

Similar sounding names.

A heptagon has 7 sides and is not 'best' at tiling.

A heptagon is much harder to tile than a bestagon.

bestagon vs Isoperimetric

Relates to the efficiency of the bestagon.

Isoperimetric is a mathematical property; bestagon is a nickname.

The bestagon satisfies the isoperimetric requirements for tiling.

Structures de phrases

A1

It is a [bestagon].

It is a bestagon.

A2

The [bestagon] is [adjective].

The bestagon is green.

B1

I like [bestagons] because they are [adjective].

I like bestagons because they are efficient.

B2

The [bestagon] is used for [verb-ing].

The bestagon is used for tiling floors.

C1

The [bestagon]'s [noun] is [adjective].

The bestagon's efficiency is legendary.

C2

Were it not for the [bestagon], [clause].

Were it not for the bestagon, honeycombs would be less efficient.

B1

Have you ever seen a [bestagon]?

Have you ever seen a bestagon?

B2

It is widely believed that the [bestagon] is [adjective].

It is widely believed that the bestagon is the best shape.

Famille de mots

Noms

Verbes

Adjectifs

Apparenté

Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Rising in educational and internet contexts.

Erreurs courantes
  • Calling a pentagon a bestagon. Calling a hexagon a bestagon.

    A bestagon must have six sides. A pentagon has five and cannot tile a plane perfectly.

  • Using 'bestagon' in a formal science paper. Using 'regular hexagon' or 'hexagonal tiling'.

    'Bestagon' is a slang term/meme and is not appropriate for formal academic writing.

  • Spelling it 'bestigon'. Spelling it 'bestagon'.

    The word is a portmanteau of 'best' and 'hexagon', so the 'a' from 'agon' is kept.

  • Thinking 'bestagon' is an ancient Greek word. Knowing it is a modern English neologism.

    While '-agon' is Greek, the word 'bestagon' was created very recently on the internet.

  • Using 'bestagon' as a verb. Using 'bestagon' as a noun.

    You don't 'bestagon' a floor; you tile a floor with bestagons.

Astuces

Know Your Audience

Only use 'bestagon' with people who are likely to know the meme or in casual settings.

The 6-Side Rule

Always remember: 6 sides = Hexagon = Bestagon. No other number of sides counts!

Noun Only

Keep 'bestagon' as a noun. Don't try to make it a verb like 'bestagoning' unless you're being very silly.

Stress the Best

Put the emphasis on the first syllable. It's BEST-a-gon, not best-A-gon.

Look for Bees

Whenever you see a honeycomb, think 'bestagon' to reinforce the word in your mind.

Design Shorthand

Use it as a fun shorthand when discussing hexagonal patterns in art or fashion.

Icebreaker

The phrase 'Hexagons are the bestagons' is a great icebreaker at a science or tech meetup.

Formal vs. Informal

Always know the formal term (regular hexagon) so you can switch back and forth as needed.

Nature's Geometry

Notice how many things in nature are bestagons; it will help you appreciate the word's meaning.

Make Your Own

Try drawing a 'bestagon' pattern to see how perfectly the shapes fit together.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

To remember 'bestagon', just think: 'Hexagons are the BEST-agons'. The 'best' is right in the name!

Association visuelle

Imagine a bee wearing a tiny crown, sitting on a hexagonal honeycomb. The bee knows it's the best shape, so it's a bestagon.

Word Web

Hexagon Best Efficiency Nature Tiling Bee Math Meme

Défi

Try to find three 'bestagons' in your house today. Look at tiles, patterns, or even the shape of some pencils!

Origine du mot

The word 'bestagon' was coined in the early 2020s, specifically popularized by the educational YouTuber CGP Grey in his video 'Hexagons are the Bestagons'. It is a portmanteau of the English word 'best' and the Greek-derived suffix '-agon', which is used in geometry to denote a polygon with a specific number of angles.

Sens originel : A hexagon that is considered superior to all other shapes.

English (Modern Neologism)

Contexte culturel

The term is completely safe and positive, though it should be avoided in formal academic writing.

In the US and UK, the term is widely recognized among students and tech-savvy professionals.

CGP Grey's YouTube video 'Hexagons are the Bestagons'. Veritasium's videos on natural patterns. Reddit community r/bestagons.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Mathematics Class

  • The bestagon tiles the plane.
  • Calculate the area of this bestagon.
  • Why is the bestagon so efficient?
  • Compare the bestagon to a square.

Nature Documentary

  • Bees create perfect bestagons.
  • The bestagon appears in basalt.
  • Nature's favorite shape is the bestagon.
  • Observe the bestagon symmetry.

Interior Design

  • I want a bestagon backsplash.
  • These bestagon tiles look modern.
  • Arrange the shelves in a bestagon.
  • The bestagon pattern is very trendy.

Video Games

  • Move your unit to the next bestagon.
  • The map is made of bestagons.
  • Hex-based games use bestagons.
  • Click on the bestagon to build.

Science Discussion

  • Graphene is a sheet of bestagons.
  • The bestagon minimizes surface area.
  • Hexagonal packing is the bestagon way.
  • The telescope uses bestagon mirrors.

Amorces de conversation

"Have you ever noticed how many bestagons there are in nature?"

"Do you think the bestagon is actually better than the circle?"

"Why do you think bees chose the bestagon for their honeycombs?"

"Have you seen that famous video about why hexagons are the bestagons?"

"If you had to tile your house, would you use bestagons or squares?"

Sujets d'écriture

Describe a time you saw a bestagon in the real world and why it looked so perfect.

Write a short story about a world where every building must be a bestagon.

Argue for or against the statement: 'The bestagon is the most beautiful shape.'

Explain the math behind the bestagon to a friend who doesn't like math.

How does the concept of the bestagon change the way you look at a simple honeycomb?

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

It is a real word in the sense that people use it and understand it, but it is not yet in most traditional dictionaries. It is a neologism and a meme.

It is the most efficient shape to tile a plane. It uses the least amount of perimeter to enclose the most area, which saves material and energy.

The YouTuber CGP Grey popularized the term in his viral video 'Hexagons are the Bestagons' in 2020.

You should probably use 'hexagon' unless your teacher is a fan of the meme. It's better to be safe in formal assignments!

Not consciously! It's a result of physics and evolution. The way they build and the way the wax settles naturally forms hexagons.

In 3D, the equivalent of a bestagon tiling is more complex, often involving shapes like the truncated octahedron, but the hexagon is the king of 2D.

Yes! Snowflakes have six-fold symmetry, meaning they are naturally occurring bestagons.

Squares and rectangles are easier to manufacture and stack for 3D walls, but hexagonal 'bricks' are used in some advanced engineering.

Any inefficient shape, like a circle (which can't tile) or an irregular polygon, could be considered the opposite.

No, it's used in art, design, biology, and even philosophy to represent perfection and efficiency.

Teste-toi 185 questions

writing

Explain why a hexagon is called a 'bestagon' in your own words.

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writing

Describe a place in nature where you can find a bestagon.

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writing

Write a short dialogue between two friends talking about bestagons.

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writing

How does the bestagon help engineers?

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writing

Write a sentence using 'bestagon' and 'efficiency'.

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writing

Compare a bestagon to a square.

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writing

What is a portmanteau? Give an example including 'bestagon'.

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writing

Describe the shape of a bestagon for someone who has never seen one.

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writing

Why is 'bestagon' not used in formal math papers?

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writing

Write a fun fact about bestagons.

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writing

How would you use bestagons in interior design?

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writing

What does 'tessellation' mean in the context of bestagons?

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writing

Write a sentence about bestagons in 3D printing.

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writing

Why do you think the bestagon meme became so popular?

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writing

Write a short poem about the bestagon.

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writing

Is a snowflake a bestagon? Why?

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writing

What is the 'Hexagonal Tiling Conjecture'?

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writing

Describe a bestagon-shaped object you own.

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writing

How does nature use the bestagon to save energy?

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writing

Why is the bestagon better than a circle for tiling?

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speaking

Say 'Hexagons are the bestagons' three times quickly.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Explain to a friend why a bee uses a bestagon.

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speaking

Describe the appearance of a bestagon.

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speaking

Pronounce 'bestagon' correctly with the stress on the first syllable.

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speaking

Give a short presentation on the bestagon in nature.

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speaking

Discuss the pros and cons of using bestagons for tiling.

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speaking

Tell a story about a bestagon-shaped planet.

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speaking

Explain the word 'portmanteau' using 'bestagon' as an example.

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speaking

Why is the bestagon mirror used in telescopes?

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speaking

What is your favorite shape and why is it the bestagon?

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speaking

How do you spell bestagon?

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speaking

Describe the bestagon storm on Saturn.

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speaking

Why is a circle not a bestagon?

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speaking

What are the interior angles of a bestagon?

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speaking

Use 'bestagon' in a sentence about art.

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speaking

Explain 'bestagon infill' to a 3D printing beginner.

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speaking

What is the Giant's Causeway?

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speaking

Is 'bestagon' a formal word?

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speaking

Why do you think nature loves bestagons?

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speaking

Repeat: 'The bestagon is the bestagon.'

Read this aloud:

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listening

Listen to the word: 'bestagon'. How many syllables do you hear?

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listening

Listen: 'The bestagon has six sides.' How many sides?

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listening

Listen: 'Hexagons are the bestagons.' What is the speaker's favorite shape?

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listening

Listen: 'Bees build bestagons.' Who builds them?

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listening

Listen: 'The bestagon is efficient.' What is the bestagon?

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listening

Listen: 'Bestagon is a portmanteau.' What kind of word is it?

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listening

Listen: 'The mirror is a bestagon.' What shape is the mirror?

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listening

Listen: 'Saturn's storm is a bestagon.' Where is the storm?

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listening

Listen: 'Bestagons tile the plane.' What do they do?

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listening

Listen: 'The bestagon has 120-degree angles.' What is the degree?

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listening

Listen: 'Graphene is a bestagon lattice.' What is graphene made of?

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listening

Listen: 'Nature's bestagon.' What is the speaker referring to?

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listening

Listen: 'Bestagon supremacy.' What does this mean?

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listening

Listen: 'A regular bestagon.' What does 'regular' mean here?

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listening

Listen: 'Long live the bestagon!' Is the speaker happy or sad?

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/ 185 correct

Perfect score!

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